Specialist rehabilitation centre Cygnet Sherwood House has been working to help patients overcome the challenges of the coronavirus lockdown and tackle any feelings of isolation and anxiety.

Like other hospitals around the country, staff at the specialist high-dependency inpatient rehabilitation service on Rufford Colliery Lane, Rainworth, have rapidly adapted their vital support programmes around the government restrictions to try to curb the spread of the virus.

Activities aimed at coping with the enforced quarantine include a new gardening group, indoor fitness sessions, pool tournaments and art classes, as well as relaxation and meditation classes.

As a gesture of appreciation for the NHS and other key workers, staff and inpatients have painted colourful rainbow murals, and covered them with messages of support.

There has even been a novel way of replacing shopping trips.

Laura Atherton, a therapy co-ordinator at Cygnet Sherwood House, said: “One of the challenges is that our usual outdoor outings have been cancelled, and so we’ve had to be creative to encourage people to get involved in social activities and pursue their own interests within the hospital environment.

“Where patients would normally enjoy a weekly walk to the shops, we have converted the Occupational Therapy office into a tuck shop, selling drinks and snacks from our usual food suppliers.

“We have also organised a gardening group, working on a disused patch of land at the hospital, to offer the residents the chance to grow their own vegetables and get involved in some meaningful activity outdoors.”

An information board that promotes the government guidance for self-isolation and social distancing keeps residents up to date, and they are able to make free telephone calls to keep in touch with family and friends.

“We’re very lucky that everyone is well,” said Laura.

“Obviously, people are worried, but by being flexible with our normal programme of activities, and using simple meditation and relaxation exercises, we are overcoming some of the challenges.

“Now that we have now been in quarantine for a few, that’s helped to give people reassurance.”

Cygnet Sherwood House provides support for 30 inpatients, and its staff of 60 includes psychologists and doctors, managers and admin staff, chefs, occupational therapists and a maintenance crew.

Sherwood House is rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.